Project Timeline
2000 – 2017
20 million animals have been killed due to climate change, one of Mongolia’s largest food sources. Migration due to food sources leads to a 70% increase in population in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, also known as the coldest city in the world.
Spring-2020
Ulaanbaatar Air Quality Project is created. The concept of a solar powered air filter has begun. Teammates at ASU are in contact with the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families. COVID-19 strikes.
Fall-2020
Pollution – related pneumonia accounted for approximately 15% of child deaths in Ulaanbaatar making pollution the second common cause for childhood mortality. Children have a 40% less lung capacity than their rural counterparts. Air Filter is successfully powered by solar panels without damage to the system. An appropriate filtration system has been developed. The air filtration system began testing and proved successful in providing power to the filtration system with the use of solar panels. Insulation for the yurts have been researched and decided that the EcoFoil seemed effective in keeping heat in the yurts.
Spring – 2021
Gher District air qualities reach an all-time high averaging of about an AQI 0f 185. This means that the risk of lung related illnesses has increased to levels considered uninhabitable. AQI of below 50 is the average healthy air quality in Tempe Arizona. The first test parameters have begun, leading to positive results of air filter quality levels. Two tests were performed, supporting that the air filter can bring air quality levels above 200 AQI, down to 40 AQI within a control volume similar to the yurts in the Gher district in a matter of 15 minutes. AQI sensor has been sent to Ulaanbaatar Mongolia for air quality testing.
Fall – 2021
The filtration system has now moved to autonomous power. The group has completed planning for providing power to the filtration system on its own, without disconnection of parts or relying on mechanical energy. Testing for the effectiveness of the air filter has begun and provided effective results in the filter bringing AQI levels in the tested in the control volume to healthy levels within 20 minutes. The Changemaker Grant and the IEEE foundation provides 16,000 in funds for shipment and travel.
Spring – 2022
The first system is sent to Mongolia. The system is tested and reveals positive results. Taiwan Fund for Children and Families provides test results, in which supports the AQI levels being brought down to healthy levels within 30 minutes. Pitching for grants continues, and the group begins plans for initial set up of the first 12 units in Mongolia.
